Introduction to Water Vole ecology and surveys

European Water Voles are a much-loved keystone species along our riverbanks. This day will provide an introduction to their ecology, field signs and survey methods and will include a field visit to put into practice what you have learned in the classroom.

The course will begin with an indoor session at Tyland Barn which will cover:

• Water vole ecology, habits, lifestyle and threats
• Water vole surveys
• Water vole field signs
• Health & Safety.

At lunchtime, we will travel in our own cars to Oare Marshes* wildlife reserve, to practice our field identification and survey skills learned in the classroom.

By the end of this workshop, you should be able to:

• Identify water voles and differentiate them from other British mammals
• Understand water vole ecology
• Find and identify water vole field signs
• Understand water vole survey methods

Suitable for beginners. Please note that only adults aged 18 and over can now attend our Study Days. This is for safeguarding and insurance reasons.

Steve Weeks, Area manager for Kent Wildlife Trust Reserves

*Parking charges apply at Oare Marshes but this is included with your ticket if you book at least 72 hours in advance. To receive free parking you must email the correct number plate of the car you will be using to [email protected] at least 72 hours before the event start time. Please include the date of the event you have booked and the name the booking was made in as part of your email. If you are booking within 72 hours of the event, or do not confirm your number plate by this time, you will need to pay for parking on the day.

P hoto: Water vole © Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

For further information, please visit the Study Days page of the Kent Wildlife Trust website.

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Host or Publisher Kent Wildlife Trust - Education & Training